After the second annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament in Airdrie was shelved due to COVID-19 last summer, the event is set to return to Woodside Golf Course on Aug. 27.
The tournament’s fundraising efforts, which aim to support a different local organization every year, will go to North Rocky View Community Links. The non-profit organization is a staple in the community, known for offering services that include counselling, outreach, community development and family-focused resources.
“We are very honoured to be working with Mayor Peter Brown,” said Laurie Jacob-Toews, community engagement services manager with Community Links. “We are just excited to be able to offer the tournament this year.”
According to a Community Links press release, registration for the tournament will include 18 holes at Woodside Golf Course, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, a shared power cart, breakfast, a tee-gift, prize opportunities, a championship meal, and the opportunity to participate in raffles, a 50/50 draw and a live auction. Interested participants can register as singles, pairs, and teams of four.
While the tournament is expected to sell out with 144 spots available, Jacob-Toews said she is just happy people can gather again to support the cause, as fundraising has not been easy for Community Links over the last 18 months.
“I lost count of how many events we had to cancel,” she said. “Fundraising is a huge part of what we need to do to maintain the services we provide. Not having that ability over the past year has been challenging.”
While raising crucial funds for Community Links is the ultimate goal of the tournament, Jacob-Toews said outreach is another focus. She added she is excited to remind people about the organization and how it supports the community.
“There may be someone who comes to the golf tournament who doesn’t know what we do. Maybe we are a great connection for them or a family member,” she said. “We are super excited to be back in public.”
The golf tournament’s namesake, Mayor Peter Brown, said events like the annual golf tournament are imperative to support local organizations. He added this is especially so after the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Community Links was hit as hard as any other organization, it was a really tough year,” he said. “We are really happy to partner with them this year. They do so much great work not only in Airdrie, but surrounding areas as well. I am very happy to support them.”
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from the tournament will support Community Links and the programs they support, according to Brown.
The mayor also stressed the importance of getting involved with the community, whether it be through sponsorships, volunteering, or other means.
“Whatever you can do today as a community member, whatever it may be, every little bit counts,” he said. “The more everybody recognizes that we are almost 75,000 citizens strong here, we can do a lot a good with a little bit of money from each of us.”
The cost to register for the tournament starts at $175 for a single golfer and goes up to $350 for a pair and $650 for a foursome. To register, visit bit.ly/3lZ3jJl
For more information on the tournament or Community Links, contact Jacob-Toews by email at [email protected]
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
